ground war in Afghanistan

Am I missing something? Everything I've read up till now about ground
fighting in Afghanistan says it's really, really, bad and difficult; the
Russians who I've seen quoted, who spent up to 10 years there, highly
advise against going in there, and historically, anybody who has gone in
has deeply regretted it. Yet, everything I hear from the US govt lately
makes it sound pretty routine, like we're going to go in and get bin
Laden; I've ever heard a guy on the radio say that the weather isn't
really that big of a deal. If the Russians spent 10 years there and left
in defeat, what are we going to do that they didn't? Curious...Hstick

Hey Neil,

I'm here in Amsterdam with Siemen Terpstra and we just read your note.

IMO, Russia is with us right now, and the Soviet Union was beaten down by many reasons besides Afghanistan. Now, intelligence has found the rock formations outside of Pakta, south of Khandahar. This is thanks to English geologist that recognized a specific section of the country.

I really do hope we keep some "luck" so that Bin Laden and up to 30,000 al-Queda are not released into the world at large. Fear is understandable, and there is plently of it to go around.

Feeling a lot better over hear, getting over not wanting to leave the house in the morning.

Met with Manuel op de Coul for a great evening of microtonalism and mirth.

Best, Johnny Reinhard...Siem says "Hi!"